Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on recognizing Misty Valenta who has been appointed to the Best Friends Animal Society’s Network Strategy Council (NSC), a volunteer committee who will advise on how to best support the work of animal rescue groups and shelter organizations in the U.S. The NSC consists of 15 animal welfare leaders from organizations within the Best Friends Network – a consortium of more than 5,000 animal welfare and shelter partners working to save the lives of dogs and cats in shelters across the country.

Misty Valenta was chosen to be part of the council due to her commitment to innovation, impressive track record in animal sheltering, and dedication to pet lifesaving through no-kill philosophies and best practices.

No-kill means saving every dog or cat in a shelter who can be saved. Community safety and good quality of life for pets are guiding principles of the no-kill philosophy and are attainable when animal welfare professionals engage in best practices and protocols.

Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters, developed the NSC to provide insights and guide action for Best Friends Network partners who will accelerate achieving no-kill in every community across the country.

The Best Friends Network consists of public and private shelters, rescue groups, spay/neuter organizations, and other animal welfare associations in all 50 states. Through collaboration, information sharing and joint implementation of proven pet lifesaving strategies, partners can support each other and inspire their communities to increase shelter pet lifesaving.

"Working alongside the visionary leaders of the Best Friends Network Strategy Council is both an honor and an inspiration. These dedicated individuals are driving transformative change in animal welfare through innovation, a proven commitment to lifesaving, and an unwavering belief in no-kill practices," said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. "Together, we are shaping a future where the unnecessary killing of healthy, adoptable pets is a thing of the past, and every dog and cat who can be saved will be saved."